Effect of Overfeeding During the Dry Period on Regulation of Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Dairy Cows During the Periparturient Period

During the dry period, cows were either fed restricted amounts or were overfed to study lipolytic rates in adipose tissue. Higher lipolytic rates can result in greater accumulation of triacylglycerols in liver and, subsequently, hepatic lipidosis. Adipose tissue was biopsied at -1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wk from parturition. The basal in vitro lipolytic rate was measured as well as the lipolytic rate as affected by the addition of noradrenaline, 3-hydroxybutyrate, or glucose. Liver was biopsied to quantify triacylglycerol concentrations. Blood was collected to determine insulin and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Basal in vitro lipolytic rates at -1 and 0.5 wk were lower in overfed cows. Lipolytic rate was enhanced in both groups of cows when noradrenaline was added, but rates at -1 and 3 wk tended to be higher in overfed cows than in cows that were fed restricted amounts. After the addition of 3-hydroxybutyrate or glucose in vitro, lipolytic rates tended to be higher in overfed cows. Liver triacylglycerol concentration was higher in overfed cows at 0.5 and 1 wk. Plasma insulin concentration tended to be higher in overfed cows at -1 wk. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration was higher in overfed cows at 0.5 and 1 wk. Although overfeeding compared with restricted feeding did not significantly alter the in vitro lipolytic response to 3-hydroxybutyrate or glucose, adipose tissue from overfed cows tended to be less inhibited by these substances, which may contribute to higher lipolytic rates in vivo and a greater triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver after parturition.